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Japanese remastered CDs - Steely Dan in particular

Hello,
I've acquired several Japanese reissued CDs – all Steely Dan stuff – I decided to get the “mini LP” types because they’re kind of cool. The one I’ve had the most time to compare to other versions is Gaucho. It’s so obviously better in resolution & dynamics than the MoFi that I couldn’t believe it. The Japanese version is also way better than the original CD issue, which sounds dead and grungy by comparison. I suspect its most formidable competitor may be the version I haven’t compared it to: the most recent “standard” commercial reissue. Have any of you heard both? I will shortly, and if anyone actually reads and responds to this I’ll give my impressions.

Have any of you made any other Steely Dan Japanese reissue comparisons? I read some posts from several months ago concerning Japanese reissues in general, but am curious if any new opinions have been developed in the mean time.

Happy listening.
cousindupree
slowhand
610 posts
 
I Would bet you that the standard issue of Steely Dan's Gaucho on LP would blow ANY CD version away.
sndsel
98 posts
 
Actually, MCA did a few audiophile vinyl remasters just before CDs took over. Gaucho was one of those, along with Spyro Gyra Catching the Sun, the ET soundtrack and a couple others that I forget at the moment. Sort of off topic, but "very interesting".
cousindupree OP
23 posts
 
Frank, I just acquired a Japanese Aja. I'll let you know what I hear when I receive it (which hopefully will be this weekend). I also have the Aja original transfer, the MoFi, & the Box version. Again, I believe I really need to get the latest (1999) "standard" remaster to compare as well. I believe the latest MCA versions, like the "mini LP", also have complete liner notes which, alone, justifies the purchase of either version. As Ben pointed out, those cats are hilareous. eBay is the only source that's even vaguely competitive on price. There are a few retailers scattered about (I can't remember any names), but the cheapest I've seen Aja is $75.00. Amazon.com advertises them, but they have never filled an order for me. The item simply never ships.

Ben, I was under the impression that the Japanese remastered versions were Japanese remastered versions, but I am not certain. I will do some more research and let everyone know what I find. It could very well be that they're the same remaster repackaged.

I've posed these sorts of questions to SteelyDan.com before, but have never gotten a response. I also asked about, what was at the time an unconfirmed, DJ only Kamakiriad that was gold and SBM. The response was something to the extent that they had never heard of any such thing. It exists. I own one. It's legit. That site is not set up for these types of questions.

Thanks everyone for contributing.
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